Brandon Engine House Restoration

Brandon Park House, set in a country estate of extensive parkland, was built in 1826 by Edward Bliss. The house was supplied by water, and then later electricity, from a separate Engine House. This building survives today, with much of its original machinery, and is a great example of a late C19th functional building.

The building's future, however, is threatened by continuing deterioration. The 2005 Conservation Management plan, funded by the HLF and produced by Historic Landscape Management, describes the general current historic design of Brandon Park as of regional and local importance. It suggests that, had the original design been retained today, it would have been of national importance.

This project, delivered by the BNG team, will see the building restored to its former glory, with the aim of creating a base for volunteering and heritage skills training. The work to restore it will involve training in traditional building skills, under supervision of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. The training scheme will be targeted at the unemployed in Brandon, as well as at builders wishing to specialise.

This project links to other BNG projects, principally the Brecks Vernacular Materials and Craft Skills Event and Caring for the Built Heritage of the Brecks Day Schools.